A Soldier For Bella (Love Conquers Life #4)

by Alison Mello

  I smile, rising from my chair. “I’m well, Madeline. How are you?”

  We air kiss one another’s cheeks and then make our way into her ridiculously large office. As I walk through the door, I realize her office has been redone. She has a stunning mahogany table that can easily seat eight. Her desk matches the table, and there’s a huge sofa with matching seats directly in front of her desk.

  “Please have a seat,” she says, pointing to one of the chairs at her oversized conference table. I take the offered seat as she pulls out my file and places it on the table in front of me. “Bella, I have here another contract for you to sign as I told you over the phone. However, this contract is a bit different then some of the others you have done. In the past, you’ve typically done high end catalogs, acting as the face of a top brand. Well, being the face of top brands has brought you to a new level. Maximum Men’s magazine wants you for their swimsuit edition and calendar. Not only do they want you, but they want you on the centerfold,” she says, bursting with excitement.

  Holy shit, this is huge. This is one of the top rated men’s magazine in the US, and I’m honored. I open the contract and see that I’m going to make some nice money from this contract. I continue reading through to see what is required of me. I refuse to do nude photos, which Madeline knows. I find what I’m hoping for, the clause that says I will actually wear a bathing suit.

  “Please say something,” Madeline says.

  “This is amazing. I’m floored and speechless. I’m really glad they agreed to the swim suit.”

  “You’ve worked hard and it shows. I want you to know they came to me looking for you. I just negotiated a fee that I thought you would be happy with and was adamant that you wear the suit.”

  “Thank you so much.” This is a modeling dream. So many women wait for the moment in their career where they’ll be able to say they’ll be in a swimsuit edition. Most never make it. I can’t wait to get home and talk to Derek. “You did a great job. Thank you so much. I can’t believe I’m going to be on the centerfold of Maximum magazine.”

  She giggles at my excitement. “I’ll let you know when you’ll begin shooting, and I’ll have the contract for your fall shoot soon.”

  “Sounds good. Thank you so much, Madeline,” I say. I stand up to shake her hand. We once again air kiss and hug before I walk out the door with so much pride. This is so much better than I could have ever expected. Now I need to go home and change so I can get dinner ready.

  ***

  Dinner is ready when Derek walks in the door. I’ve made baked mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli. The house smells amazing, and although I’m going to really enjoy this, it’s going to mean a few visits to the gym. If I’m going to be in a magazine and in a calendar, I need to look my best.

  “Hey, baby,” Derek says just as he plants a sweet, soft kiss to my lips.

  “How was your day?” I ask, holding my glass of wine. I take his beer mug from the freezer to pour him a beer.

  “Good. It smells delicious in here. I take it you got some good news?” he asks. I bite my lip and nod.

  “Are you ready for this?” He nods. “I am going to be the centerfold model for the Maximum’s Swimsuit edition and in the calendar.”

  He freezes mid sip, his eyes going wide and his brows shooting up, and takes a deep breath. “Say again.”

  “I’m going to be the centerfold model for the…” He cuts me off, holding up his hand.

  “I heard you, Bella. Are you crazy? You can’t do that. You have a fucking stalker, and you want to give him material for his spank bank by posing half naked in a magazine and a calendar? What are you thinking?”

  I’m hurt by his cold outburst. We both agreed my career shouldn’t suffer because of this guy. “Derek, you agreed with me that this doesn’t put my career on hold.”

  “Yeah, well, I didn’t realize your career was going to take you in this direction. You cannot do this.”

  “I’ve already signed the contract,” I say in almost a whisper. I’m trying to hold my tears back because I can’t believe he’s not supporting me in this. We agreed.

  “Rip it up. You’re not doing it,” he says in a stern voice.

  “You can’t control my career. I wouldn’t let my parents control my career. I’m certainly not letting you.” I run toward the door, snatching my coat as I go.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Anywhere but here. You cannot stop me from doing what I love. You promised me you wouldn’t. Do you realize what an honor this is for a model? This is a dream come true,” I shout as he says nothing. He just stares at me as I run out the door.

  Jordan follows behind me. “Where are we going?” he asks.

  “You’re not going anywhere. I’m going to my house.” He freezes in his spot. As I’m climbing into my car, I see Derek talking to Jordan. He must’ve told him to follow me because Jordan jogs to his car as I’m pulling away.

  Chapter 7

  Bella

  I pull up outside my apartment and without even thinking about it, I run in, slam the door behind me, and lock it. I look around. It feels empty and lonely. I sag to the floor and begin to cry. My phone rings, and when I see it’s Patty, I answer it.

  “Hello?” I say with a sniffle.

  “Bella, what happened?” My friend asks. She sounds so concerned.

  “I ran out.”

  “I know that part. Why did you run out?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’m at my place with the doors locked.”

  “Jordan is on his way there. Please let him go through the place to make sure it’s safe. Derek is worried about you.”

  “Yeah, well, he’s trying to control my life, and that’s exactly why I didn’t want to move in with him,” I say as I sob into the phone. I take a deep breath. “I really don’t want to talk about this right now.”

  There’s a loud bang on my door. “Bella, it’s Jordan. Please open the door. I need to make sure your place is safe and secure.”

  “It’s fine,” I shout through the door as Patty yells at me to let him in or she’s coming over. “Fine,” I shout into the phone, exasperated that everyone is telling me what to do. I stand and open the door for Jordan, and as I do I inform Patty that I let him in. Jordan walks into my apartment and checks windows as well as the back exit. I’m on almost the top floor. There’s no way someone is getting through the windows. I roll my eyes at his persistence.

  He checks closets and anywhere I assume he’s worried about someone hiding, but of course now one is here. He turns to me as I’m talking to Patty, so I tell her to hold on.

  “Listen, I get you’re upset, but you have to work with me so I can keep you safe. I’m not going to allow you to put yourself in harm’s way.”

  I sigh. “Thank you, Jordan.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, everything here seems to be locked up and safe. I’ve already called to get me some back up for a night shift. You will not be alone. Someone will be making rounds through your building, but will be mainly outside your door. Do not open this door unless you are positive you know who it is. If someone knocks and you’re not sure who it is, you’re to text me. I’ll text you the other guard’s name and number as soon as I have it. I’ll be outside your door until he gets here and then I’ll introduce you.” I nod at him, but say nothing. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “No. I’m going to finish my conversation with Patty and see what I have to eat here since I left without having our planned dinner.”

  He nods and steps outside to give us some privacy. “Sorry, Patty. I’m back.”

  “Please talk to me,” she says.

  “He freaked out when I told him that I was hired to be the centerfold model for Maximum magazine. They want me for the swimsuit edition and their calendar, and he says I can’t do it.” I begin to cry again. “He doesn’t realize what an honor this is for a model. Madeline even made it so I will have a swimsuit on for the shoot. Most
girls pose nude, but I refuse.”

  “Did you try to explain it to him?”

  “Yes, he wouldn’t listen. He just kept saying I have a stalker and that I can’t do this. I can’t put my half naked body out there for his spank bank.”

  “He’s worried about you. He loves you and doesn’t want to see you get hurt.”

  “I understand that, but he’s being cold and mean about it. We had already agreed to not let my stalker get in the way of my career. Now I get the opportunity of a lifetime, and he says I can’t do it. I understand his fears and they’re valid. However, why can’t we add security or figure out a way to make it work? I have to do this. It would be career suicide if I didn’t.”

  “Okay, so you do it, but you also need to fix things with Derek. Running out on him isn’t the way to handle this.”

  I sniffle into the phone. “You’re right. I was hurt at how cold he was to me, but he needs to apologize as well. This is a relationship, and he just tried to take over like I’m his kid.” She sighs into the phone. “Listen, I’m done talking about this. I need to get something to eat and then I’m going to soak in my tub and try to relax.”

  “Fine, but you better really think about this because you know you love him and if you don’t work this out with him, you could lose him.”

  “Whose best friend are you?” I yell into the phone.

  “I’m yours, and that’s why I’m being honest with you. I love you and I don’t want you to ruin a good thing.”

  “Whatever. I got to go.” I cut the call, furious that she’s sticking up for Derek and not me.

  I walk into the kitchen and rummage through my cabinets and fridge. The fridge is empty because I haven’t been here in so long, but when I open the freezer I find some frozen fruit and a homemade frozen dinner. I take it out and pop it into the microwave. When the microwave beeps, I remove the cover to find grilled chicken with mashed sweet potatoes and grilled veggies. My mouth waters because I’m starved, so I sit to enjoy my dinner when my phone starts chirping.

  Derek: I don’t know how to handle this. I love you and want you to be happy, but I want to keep you safe. Please tell me you made it home okay.

  Bella: I’m fine

  Derek: Can we talk when I get out of work tomorrow.

  Bella: No. I need some space to think.

  Derek: About what?

  Bella: Us.

  Derek: Please don’t push me away.

  Bella: You pushed me away. Now if you’ll excuse me my dinner is getting cold.

  I put my phone down and begin eating. I’m being a total bitch, but I don’t care. He doesn’t get it, and he needs to. He hurt me with his take charge shit. I told him I’m used to it just being me and doing what I want. Now all of a sudden he’s going to tell me I can’t work a contract? That’s bullshit.

  As I’m putting my dishes in the dishwasher from dinner, there’s a knock on the door. I assume it’s Jordan, so I open it.

  “Did you even look through your peephole?” he asks angrily.

  “Who else would be knocking on my door?” He gives me a look that screams what the fuck? “Fine, I’m sorry. I’ll look.”

  He sighs. “This is Jared. He’s your new night security guard so I can get some sleep while you’re here alone. I informed him that if anything happens to you I will have his balls, so he is aware of how serious this is.”

  I chuckle. “Jordan, you care about me.”

  The poor guy blushes. “I take my job seriously, and I promised Derek that you would be safe and I’d like to keep that promise.”

  “Okay, so what’s the plan?” I ask with my arms crossed over my chest.

  “The plan is, he’ll stand watch here outside your door until I get back in the morning. Then I’ll be with you during the day and we’ll continue on like that until we figure out who this guy is.”

  “Fine. I’m going to take a bath and relax in bed. I’m going to the gym in the morning. Which of you is coming with me?”

  “What time are you going?”

  “I’m leaving here at seven,” I say with my brows raised. I’m secretly hoping Jordan comes with because I know him and would feel better working out in front of him.

  “I’ll be here to take you. I will be in workout clothes as well and will work out near you the entire time to ensure no one gets too close.”

  “I’ll be with my trainer, so you don’t have to be too close by, but that’s fine. Good night,” I say, shutting the door and locking it. I can hear them talking but can’t quite make out what they’re saying. I decide to stop eavesdropping and go to my room so I can get some rest and go about my day tomorrow. I need to figure out what to do about Derek. I know I love him, but he can’t just take over my life. I don’t mind the control he takes in the bedroom, that’s fun, but my life is my life.

  Going straight for the bathroom, I start the tub and remove my clothes as I try to think of how we can fix this. He has to apologize and promise me that he won’t interfere in my career. That is number one. I wouldn’t let my parents stop me from reaching my goals. I won’t allow him to do it either.

  I light some candles and add some bubble bath to the tub. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of lavender and jasmine. I love this smell and have missed it. Removing my clothes, I sink into the tub and begin my deep breathing exercises to relax my body. It actually feels really good!

  My phone chirps, and I’m afraid to check it because I really don’t want to see another text from Derek. I’m already having a hard time getting him out of my head. Reluctantly I pick up my phone to see it’s my agent.

  Your swimsuit shoot is scheduled. It’s in two weeks. I’ll email you all the details.

  I respond back with a simple thanks and drop my phone to the floor so I can continue soaking my tired body. Unfortunately this just brings back memories of Derek and me soaking together in the tub and all the times we made love in the tub. It makes me cry, and that frustrates me. I was so afraid to live with him yet now that I’m alone in my own home, where I wanted to be, all I want to do is cry.

  The water is still warm, but my memories with Derek make it feel cold and lonely. I climb out, dry off, and then wander to my room to get a pair of sleep pants and t-shirt from my drawer only to find the shirt Derek left here. I slip it on and then get my gym stuff ready for the morning. In my gym bag, I find my earbuds and iPod. I add a towel and a water bottle and then I get my clothes so I’m ready to go.

  Now that I have what I need for the gym, I climb on my bed so I can get ready to relax with my coloring book. Only I realize I can’t because all of my coloring stuff is at Derek’s house. I sigh as I curl up in bed. The tears fall yet again. Thank God I don’t have a shoot in the morning, because with all this crying, I’m going to look like shit.

  I lie in bed, hoping sleep will come to me.

  ***

  Derek

  I can’t believe she just ran out on me like that. I’m pacing my living room and running my fingers through my hair, trying to figure out what to do. I feel horrible because she looked so heartbroken, but I’m freaking out. I mean, she wants to put her half naked body on the centerfold of the most popular men’s magazine. She is only going to fuel this guy’s fire. I need to find out who this fucker is and quick. My phone rings and I’m praying it’s her, but when I look I see it’s Carter.

  “Hey, Carter.” I sigh into the phone.

  “Hey, man. Listen, I wanted to let you know that Patty spoke to Bella. She won’t tell me everything, but she’s a mess over this. You need to fix this.”

  “I know. I asked her if we can talk tomorrow after I get out of work, but she says that she needs some space to think. What the hell am I going to do?”

  “Give her the space she asks for, I guess. I don’t know, man.”

  “I sent Jordan to look after her. He promised me he would get a second guy to help keep an eye on her. I’m waiting to hear back from him now.”

  “Well, at least you know she’ll be saf
e.”

  “Did Patty say anything that could help me?”

  “Nope, just that she could tell that Bella had been crying and that she didn’t want to talk about it much. She’s going to call her tomorrow to see if they can hook up for lunch. I heard Patty tell her that she needed to talk to you, but I'm assuming it didn't go well because Patty pulled the phone away from her ear.”

  “That woman is so stubborn. She’s going to be the death of me.” I shake my head, trying to figure out what the fuck I’m supposed to do now. I can’t protect her because she ran off and she’s going to create the spank bank photos anyway. “Listen, I have to go. I need to clean up from the dinner she made for us and try to get some sleep.”

  “Okay. Call me if you need anything.”

  He cuts the call. What I need is to figure out who this guy is. I quickly clean up the kitchen, picking at some of the food as I do. I need to at least put something in my stomach. As soon as I’m done, I’m off to my office to check my email to see if I have any new info from my buddy, Sloan, about the creep harassing Bella. He’s supposed to be doing some digging for me, but his silence is telling me he doesn’t know anything, and that’s not good enough. I need this bastard caught so my girl can continue on with her career and I can stop stressing.

  After putting everything in the fridge, I move straight to my office and plop my ass at my desk. I open my email to see I have nothing from Sloan, so I send him a quick email asking him what the hell is going on. Then I shoot a text to Jordan.

  Derek: Hey is she all set?

  Jordan: Yeah, but she’s one tough cookie.

  Derek: Tell me about it. Who’s at the house with her?